Perchtoldsdorf

Perchtoldsdorf is a charming town located on the eastern edge of the Viennese Forest, about 16 kilometers southwest of Vienna. With nearly 15,000 inhabitants, the city covers an area of ​​12.5 square kilometers. The town is known for its rich cultural heritage, its medieval market square, its magnificent tower house and its winemaking.

The history of Perchtoldsdorf begins in the Neolithic period, when farmers and herders inhabited the area. The beginnings of the city date back to 1138, as proven by the first historical documents. It was called Pertoldesdorf, after a well-known nobleman called Heinricus of Pertoldesdorf. Located in the March of Austria, a border area constantly attacked by the Magyars and other invaders, the city Originally built on a hill to guard the city, a castle eventually sheltered the widows of the Habsburg dukes.

Under Habsburg control, the city prospered; in 1364 it received market rights. Built between 1450 and 1521, the city’s tower house (Wehrturm) served several functions, including prison, bell tower and watchtower. Among the many prominent figures in the field of culture and education, the city also attracted the humanist Johannes Cuspinian, the poet Georg Trakl, the composer Franz Schubert and the painter Gustav Klimt.

Among the important historical events that Perchtoldsdorf has seen are the two world wars, the Napoleonic Wars, the Ottoman sieges of 1529 and 1683, and the revolutions of 1848 and 1918. Although the town suffered significant damage and destruction, it also shows incredible courage and resilience. . In 1683, the city’s residents fought valiantly against the Ottoman army. Emperor Leopold I thus granted them the honor of displaying the imperial eagle on their coat of arms. Soviet troops liberated the city in 1945 and also left a memorial for the fallen.

With a thriving and varied cultural scene, Perchtoldsdorf offers a wealth of events and attractions that will appeal to residents and guests. Each of the city’s many museums offers a different window into its rich past and culture. For example, the Heimatmuseum offers an in-depth exhibition on the city’s customs and heritage. Conversely, the Burgmuseum has an astonishing collection of art and relics related to the castle. Finally, the Schubert-Gedenkstätte honors the eminent composer’s visit to the city in 1827. Among the city’s many churches is the parish church of St. Augustine, with a rich heritage from the 13th century. In addition to a Baroque altar and a Romanesque crypt, this church houses a pretty Gothic choir. Founded in 1407 by Duchess Beatrice of Hohenzollern, St. Nicholas Hospital Church is another well-known church. This church has a fairly remarkable cycle of frescoes.

As one of the oldest and largest wine-growing regions in Lower Austria, the city is renowned for its wine culture. With almost 140 hectares of vineyards focused on creating fine white wines, including Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Chardonnay, the city has several wine bars in the city (Heurigen), which allow guests to taste the regional wines with classic cuisine and music. The town hosts several wine events throughout the year: the Perchtoldsdorfer Weintage in May, the Perchtoldsdorfer Weinlesefest in September and the Perchtoldsdorfer Adventmarkt in December.

One of the city’s most important cultural events is the summer theater festival known as the Perchtoldsdorfer Sommerspiele, which has taken place in the castle courtyard since 1925. Attracting a large audience of passionate participants, the festival offers a wide range of events, including classic and modern events. plays, musicals, operettas and concerts. The festival also honors the city’s close relationship with Austrian poet and playwright Franz Grillparzer. Grillparzer wrote his well-known drama “The Poor Musician” right here in Perchtoldsdorf in 1848.